---
title: "Arteta’s most mocked calls now define his Arsenal"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/10/arteta-mocked-decisions-define-arsenal-merson/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2026-10-10T11:10:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T11:10:00Z"
---

# Arteta’s most mocked calls now define his Arsenal

Once the target of ridicule, Mikel Arteta has been vindicated by results and by Paul Merson, one of Arsenal’s former forwards.

## **From doubters to dynasty**

Arsenal welcomes Leeds United to the Emirates this afternoon. They’re hoping to get back to winning ways after the three-week international break. However, the biggest news over the last few days is off the pitch. Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract that will see him remain with the team until 2030.

It can be claimed that this is the most significant business deal that Arsenal have had this season. The coach has managed to transform a team that was close to disappearing and is now potentially capable of becoming a dynasty. Even if he has only one league title so far.

The process was far from smooth. Arteta was accused of creating the so-called “set-piece FC”, and he was ridiculed for making music about training.

Yet, now one of the club’s ex-players thinks that the evidence is quite solid. Paul Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, stated that Arteta’s contract was well-deserved. He called it an appropriate case, and claimed that he “gambled”.

## **Ozil and Aubameyang: the brave call**

Merson first draws attention to the decisions on Aubameyang and Ozil. Both were top players in their own right. Merson claims that Arteta understood that they were not role models, so they were let go.

This was quite a risky move, especially since they were arguably the two most influential players at the club when Arteta was appointed as the manager.

Looking back on it now, we can see that the changes in the culture that took place back then paved the way for everything that happened afterwards.

## **Raya over Ramsdale**

The second decision made was regarding the goalkeeping position. The signing of David Raya in place of fan favourite Aaron Ramsdale drew criticism from many quarters.

Arteta had different plans. According to Merson, Raya might be one of the top goalkeepers in the world today, a fact that many Arsenal supporters would agree with.

## **Boldness rewarded**

There is a trend in the decision making that is hard to overlook. All the controversial decisions made by the coach have given great results, and Arteta is clear that results take precedence over feelings in the process of transforming Arsenal into a competitive club.

The champions will be hoping of the same success when Leeds come to town. The contract is the reward for this coach. Now the task is to turn one title into many more.